Pieces
of the PastArtifacts,
Documents, and Primary Sources
from Letchworth Park History

A
Walker Stereocard Label

circa
1875

One
of the best sources of historical information are stereoptican
views. These photographs provide wonderful glimpse into Letchworth
Park's past. The majority of views in our Historical Photo Album
are taken from stereoviews.

They
were more than just souvenirs for tourists. In the days before
television or even photographs in newspapers and magazines, stereoviews
allowed the common man to see images of people and places and
things the average person would never see. They were sold by the
millions!

Although
the dual images on the face of the card are the most significant
part of a stereoview, one should not forget look at the back.
Although some stereocards are blank on the reverse, many bear
imprints or paper labels which can provide interesting information.

A
good example is the one found below. This label was pasted to
the back of a stereo view by L.E. Walker, one of the leader publishers
of Portage views. This back list contains an advertisement for
Walker's views, a short catalog of some specific views, and an
interesting description of the "New" bridge.